Sunday, 28 February 2010

Since our last post we have been travelling the length and breadth of the country. We have had really great feedback from venues and audience alike, (Havant, Darlington, Kendal, Liverpool) along the way we have had illness, tiredness and had to dig the van out of the snow, so all in all an eventful week.

The show has really got into it's stride and the guys are doing a great job, my particular highlight was watching how the audience in Kendal were so comfortable at being involved in the show (one guy mid-show explained in detail how to read closed circuit oxygen apparatus) it was truly a moment of brilliance as it was so unexpected but completely right at the same time. We have managed to get audiences to sing, laugh, and play along with us which is more than we could ask for. Whilst making the show we wanted everyone to feel part of the Everest team and from the reaction we have succeeded which makes us all very happy.

Sunday, 21 February 2010

Since the last post Top of the world has opened strongly in Bury, we have had some great feedback from the venues and audience alike, getting to this point though has been really hard going. On Monday starting our tech the lighting board (very expensive) decided to die on us which messed our whole day up and we were then playing catch up till our opening night, to put it mildly my nerves were on edge. To add into the mix one of actors in Hoof! rang to say they were ill the night before our show in Keswick. This meant that on the Tuesday i had to drive to Bury to do the get in and then drive up to Keswick to perform in Hoof! and then be in Bury next day without having tech ed or dressed the show a nightmare to say the least!

The tech team and i had plotted the show in advance so on Wednesday it was head's down and get it done. The show opened brilliantly and there was a fantastic buzz in the venue and this is testament to the great the team who were worked there sock's off.

The team left on tour on Friday, and i went to the Everyman to work with the Hoof! team for Friday and Saturday's show so as you can see a busy week all round. Hoof! shows were some of the best we have ever done a real shame it is the last ever in Liverpool but 6 years is a long time and it is time to make something new.

Anyway i am enjoying having some time off (Sunday at least) before back to it, one of the actors will be posting tour updates so stay tuned for weekly updates.

Sunday, 14 February 2010

Since the last post we have a show! (Hurrah) . After a hard week of blocking and re-adjusting scenes it made me realise we have a fine show on our hands and something that has genuinely been a collaborative endeavour. The show open's on Wednesday in Bury and we are very excited to hear what people think. We still have a busy few days to put all the lighting, sound and film into the show, but the team are all in good form and i am confident we will be firing on all cylinders come wednesday evening.

Adrian and I went over to The Met in Bury on Saturday to see 'The conquest of Everest' the film that inspired the show, it was great to see so many people there. I spoke about the show and at the end loads of people stayed to chat and booked tickets to see T.O.T.W which was great.

It has been a busy week but one which end with some sad news, we found out that Alf Gregory one of the Everest Team passed away, our thoughts are with his family and friends. We have decided that this tour will be dedicated to the memory of Alf.

Anyway still lots of work to do this week, but the summit is within sight and then we can celebrate and have a nice drink. Enjoy valentines day.

Saturday, 6 February 2010

Since the last post the show has moved on massively, we have nearly finished generating all the material which leaves a week and half to rehearse and tech before we open. The team are in good spirits as am i, as we know we have a good show on our hands but still with plenty of work to go.

Particular highlights this week were the use and exploration of what the ladders can do (you would not believed what we have tried) the use of ropes, puppets and my particular favourite elastic. All have made it into the show in one form or another. The production team have been cracking on finishing off music, film, costumes, tents and a whole host of other things.

We received an email from Mary Lowe wife of George Lowe (Everest expedition 1953) saying that she will be coming to see the show and that she has sent it to other surviving members of the Everest team, i was blown away by the news but also very scared as we are staging therelives.

About Me

Established in 1997, Spike Theatre is a touring, theatre company that creates accessible, engaging and visually exciting work. With an emphasis on exploring and developing a bold style of storytelling using physical creativity, it draws upon various disciplines such as, acrobatics, ensemble performance, animation, mime, clown and strong characterisation. Spike produces an original style of ‘Total’ theatre with the performer at the centre of its creative force.
Spike is run by artistic director, Mark Smith and administrator, Adrian Turrell-Watts.
In the creation of Spike’s work the company draw on a growing pool of performers, musicians, acrobats, designers, puppet makers and a host of other creative talent.